Remicade Side Effects

Hi HCH28, and welcome to HealingWell. I've been on the Remi for almost three years now, and haven't had any of the side effects listed. And really, I consider myself healthier than most that I work with as I rarely get a cold; maybe once a year. It could be that I'm more cautious and often wash my hands, take vitamins, and just am aware of my surroundings when people are sick. I think when I was on the Pred I bruised more easily than I have with Remi. As for the infusions, in the beginning the centers like to infuse slowly to watch you for any reaction, but now, I'm in and out of there in 2 hours from start to finish. It's a nice down time, and most bring books, movies, and just have a good nap! I actually enjoy going in as I know my nurses and most of the other patients in there. Everyone is upbeat and I'm treated really well; and I actually feel great when I leave. I always have more energy the next day, but this is my story. I'm sure others will post to tell you their experiences with Remi. Take care, and hope this helps! Again....welcome!

Hi -- I just had my second remicade treatment last Tuesday. I was just diagnosed with severe pancoli*** and did not respond to IV steroids (12 days in the hospital). Hence, I started remicade in the middle of a major flare. Besides remicade I'm on 40 mg of prednisone with a taper schedule. No other medications.

In terms of bathroom trips the remicade worked miracles. about 6 days after the first dose I was experiencing formed stools and no blood -- once each day!!! For sure I developed a sore throat -- nothing treated - no fever or spots. I also had some strange arthritis type feelings in my fingers. Totally tired for two days, but I get premedicated with IV benedryl so it is hard to say on the day of infusion what is making me so tired. I also had a headache two days after the second infusion, and I never get headaches!! Other than that I feel a little spaced out, but maybe that is the prednisone and lack of sleep. My blood pressure dropped a little during the infusion, but it was not a big deal. They just slowed the infusion down and figured it could have been caused by the benedryl. That is all I can think of for now. Maybe it is still too early to tell, but at least the immediate effects seem OK and promising in the sense that I stopped bleeding!

Good Luck.

Charmin










Good Luck

Great to hear Hilary; should you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask!